Johnson#26
21 Feb 2009, 22:18
I don't know all the facts and specifics of the history of the MCG surface pre-2002, so some of you may be able to help me out.
I recall reading that the MCG started using drop-in pitches in about 2000, when it was decided that the proper centre wicket area was being chopped up by the footballers, and was a patch of mud by September (just watch the 1996-1999 GFs, and the finals prior to them).
Additionally, when the ground was in the process of renovation (2004), the entire ground was ripped up, and then resurfaced (eliminating the rise in the centre wicket area, too). It was again resurfaced following the 2006 CG's.
Admittedly these were probably fair decisions, but is there any chance that the MCG surface may once again become all natural, in that it is allowed to grow on its own, and replenish itself? Surely the drainage system is sufficient enough to ensure that the ground does not become a gluepot (which it didn't in 2002 or 2003, or 2004), and it would mean that the ground would not look as patchy with all the separate strips of grass. Is there a chance that a natural pitch will be redeveloped, meaning that the issue of drop-in pitches becomes non-existant?
I recall reading that the MCG started using drop-in pitches in about 2000, when it was decided that the proper centre wicket area was being chopped up by the footballers, and was a patch of mud by September (just watch the 1996-1999 GFs, and the finals prior to them).
Additionally, when the ground was in the process of renovation (2004), the entire ground was ripped up, and then resurfaced (eliminating the rise in the centre wicket area, too). It was again resurfaced following the 2006 CG's.
Admittedly these were probably fair decisions, but is there any chance that the MCG surface may once again become all natural, in that it is allowed to grow on its own, and replenish itself? Surely the drainage system is sufficient enough to ensure that the ground does not become a gluepot (which it didn't in 2002 or 2003, or 2004), and it would mean that the ground would not look as patchy with all the separate strips of grass. Is there a chance that a natural pitch will be redeveloped, meaning that the issue of drop-in pitches becomes non-existant?